Manhole-canal cleaning: Robot from Kerala startup secures international order amidst local trials

Kochi: It has been a month since Joy was lost in the Amayizhanjan canal in Thiruvananthapuram. Genrobotics, a Kerala-based startup renowned for leveraging technology for social impact, has introduced a robot designed for cleaning canals such as Amayizhanjan and ditches. Named Wilbur, this robot is intended for use in hazardous environments like canals and ditches. The robot is currently on trial by the State Water Authority in Thiruvananthapuram.

Previously, Thiruvananthapuram-based Genrobotics garnered attention for its Bandicoot robot used in manhole cleaning. Wilbur, a rover-type robot, extends this innovation to the cleaning of canals and ditches. The robot is capable of removing and processing garbage from canals and ditches into smaller, more manageable forms.

Although the robot has not yet been officially launched,  Genrobotics CEO M.K. Vimal Govind noted that it has already attracted orders, including Thiruvananthapuram Airport. Additionally, orders have been received from Malaysia.